Application of posterior circumferential fusion in the surgery of lumbar spondylolisthesis / 中国矫形外科杂志

ABSTRACT

[Objective] To evaluate the feasibilitiy,methods and therapeautical effects of the posterior circumferential fusion (PCF) combined with short -segmental pedicle screw system fixation for the treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis(LSL). [Method] From October 2002 to March 2006, 44 cases of LSL were treated with decompression for spine canal stenosis, circumferential fusion and short-segmental pedicle screw system fixation. There were 15 male and 29 female, average age was 48. 6 (ranged, 31~68) years. The diagnoses of LSL and stenosis were confirmed by X-ray and CT. According to Newman classification, 15 of them were the degenerative type and 29 were isthmic type. According to Meryerding classification of LSL, 17 patients had degree I, 24 patients had degree Ⅱ and 3 patients had degree Ⅲ spondylolisthesis. The levels of LSL was between L4 and L5,in 18 patients and between L5 and S1 in 26 cases.[Result]The follow-up period was 18~36 months , averaged 26 months.Seventeen patients with degree Ⅰ spondylolisthesis were all reduced anatomically after surgery. Twenty-four patients with degree Ⅱ spondylolisthesis were reduced anatomically except for 6 patients with Ⅰ degree residual spondylolisthesis. 3 patients with degree Ⅲ spoadylolisthesis were reduced anatomically except for 2 spatients with Ⅰ degree residual spondylolishesis. The effect was evaluated according to Hou Shuxun's evaluation standard, the results were excellent in 28 cases, good in 13 cases, and fair in 3 cases. The excellent and good rate was 93.2%. No complication such as interfixation failure and nerve pedicle injury or cauda equine injury were found. All cases got bony union in 3 to 10 months (mean 4.2 months) postoperatively. All patients had normal disc height and no loss of spondylolisthesis reduction. [Conclusion] The PCF combined with short-segmental pedicle screw system fixation is reasonable options in treating the LSL. It can improve the fusion rate of the spine and maintain good intervertebral space and good lordosis of the lumbar spine. The satisfactory clinical result is relied on the completely understanding of the characteristics of PCF and short-segmental pedicle screw fixation.